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Monday, November 29, 2010

Some of My Favorite Things

I often get asked why I hunt. How can you kill Bambi? Aren't ducks so cute? Why do you wear so much camo? How can you get up that early... on a weekend?

Answers generally vary.
How? For conservation. Because there is no better feeling in the world than shooting a gun. The deer I harvest go to good use rather than being turned into a venison smoothie by an 18 wheeler. Bambi was a movie and has no basis in reality. Have you ever heard a deer talk? No?
Yes, ducks are cute. But they taste even better.
Why? Is that even a question? Camo is awesome; it goes with everything and if I wear it all the time, I'm always ready to hunt.
How? Well, dear, delusional friend, getting up early, staying out late, losing sleep and becoming a recluse from society for months on end each affords me a unique perspective that not many are blessed to see.

Once I answer, I'm generally met with a vague stare. If I could effectively answer this question maybe my interrogator would finally understand why I adore my time in the woods so much....

I hunt because...

there are stunning sunsets which make the entire, unfruitful day worth every second,

there are colors so vibrant that make you wonder why God painted them on the wings of elusive waterfowl,

there are mornings so cold that a sunflower heater for one turns into a community heat immersion system,

it creates bonds that last a lifetime,

there is no clearer, quieter surrounding than a half hour before sunrise,

and there are moments that take your breath away.

Yes my friends, there is so much beauty to be had in the world that is lost by those who are too busy to notice. Hunting allows me to feel nature in its most ancient and real form. Absent from the hustle and bustle of the modern age with the cell phones, TV's, addiction to celebrities, and all the other junk that clutters life; hunting purges its minions of all confining things.

12 comments:

I gave up trying to explain long ago. Those who do understand. Those who don't never will. I'm more than half hermit anyway, so I don't think I really have to explain my actions to anyone. Nice blog you have here.

"there is no clearer, quieter surrounding than a half hour before sunrise".....that's the one thing I look forward to when I go hunting. You can't put a price on that tranquility. It amazes me how everything just.....stops....even if it is for a little bit.

I followed you from your post on my blog. I just have to say, WELL DONE on describing why we love to hunt so much. It's so much more than the end result. It's the comradery, the beauty of nature, the thrill of the stalk, the time spend planning, the camo!, and being one with nature for those few precious hours. Best of luck on your adventures!

Well said and thanks for your patience in trying to explain what is often a very difficult experience to put into words. The tranquility, solace and being unplugged are just a few reasons why I love to hunt.